18 Tigers on NFL Rosters

CLEMSON -- Clemson has 18 former players on NFL rosters, including three
injured reserve players, according to rosters released by NFL clubs
on Sunday. Sunday was the final day of cuts for the league, which
will begin play this Thursday.

The list of active players includes rookie Bryant McNeal with the
Denver Broncos, who was a starter for Clemson just last season.
Nick Eason, who was drafted in the fourth round along with McNeal, is
on injured reserve due to an Achilles tendon problem. Gary Byrd, a
senior in 2002, is also on injured reserve, with the Buffalo Bills.

The list of veterans includes Chris Gardocki, who is in his
13th year in the NFL as a punter. The former pro bowl punter is with
the Cleveland Browns. Gardocki holds the career punting average
record for both the Browns (44.1) and the Indianapolis Colts (44.8).

Chester McGlockton (New York Jets), James Trapp (Jacksonville
Jaguars) and Brentson Buckner (Carolina Panthers) are three other
former Tigers who are in double figures in years of experience in the
NFL. Trapp, who is a member of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame for
his track accomplishments, is in his 11th year in the league, his
first with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was a member of the
Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Championship team two years back.